Ethics
• As always, just because the funds from a deposited check are available in your account for withdrawal, this DOES NOT mean that the funds have cleared the account. For any large or questionable checks, make sure to follow up with your bank and ensure the funds have actually cleared before withdrawing any funds from your IOLTA account.
Every legal practice has a different set of resources and
circumstances. Some firms issue or accept more checks than others. Some practices have staff members solely devoted to bookkeeping and financial management whereas others have employees wearing several hats. Ten there are the solo practitioners out there who are the do-it-yourselfers that handle every aspect of their firm’s client, business and financial management. However, no matter what your size, every law firm and attorney should take fraud seriously. Each firm has to evaluate its own risk for fraud related losses. Create and implement a plan that works for your firm and ensures you the protection that you need. Contact your bank and find out what they can do to alleviate some of the burden and ensure the protection of your license, your money, and your client’s money.
In the end, it could make the difference between
maintaining your successful practice and professional and financial ruin.
30 Trial Reporter / Winter 2012
Biography Annie B. Hirsch, Te Law Offices of Annie B. Hirsch
LLC, has extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice and personal injury litigation. Ms. Hirsch has successfully handled complex medical malpractice cases at both the circuit court and appellate court levels. She received her JD from Te University of Maryland School of Law. While there she focused her studies and graduated with a certificate in healthcare law. Ms. Hirsch has spent her career on the Hill, and in the courtroom, acting as an advocate on behalf of traumatically injured victims and their families. She has had the distinct honor of working for the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy on his healthcare initiative, as well as representing families on behalf of Te Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. Ms. Hirsch is an active member of the Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ) as well as the American Association for Justice (AAJ). She can be reached at
abh@abhirschlaw.com . Website: www.
abhirschlaw.com
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